Sullivan’s Island
Suburban Neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston County 29482
Pristine, preserved beauty
Sullivan’s Island beachfront is less developed than some other nearby beaches, meaning it may not have the amenities of some—and that’s exactly how the residents like it. Pristine and uninterrupted beauty is the name of the game when it comes to Sullivan’s beach vibes, making the area a haven for outdoor fun and watersports. Residents looking to learn a little bit more about the island’s history can do so right on the beach, with the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse—also known as Charleston Light—serves as one of the “newest” lighthouses in the country since being built in 1962. J. Marshall Stith Park features plenty of open space, a picnic area, two tennis courts, and a basketball court. Those looking even more tennis can find more courts at Poe Avenue Park—named after Edgar Allen Poe, who was briefly stationed at Sullivan’s Island—which also has another playground.Old and new alike
Housing in Sullivan’s Island reflects a history of change with an effort at preservation. Historically, the area was home to cottages, beach homes, and Victorian styles—though Hurricane Hugo’s 1989 path of destruction led to a change in landscape, and an influx of new. “Sullivan’s Island has something for everyone, and that extends to housing too,” says Hoy. “You have historic Victorian style homes, along with plenty of new construction and new styles.” As such, homes are a mix of Lowcountry classics—renovated beach cottages are present, but Victorian styles, historic estate-like homes with double piazzas, and large modern contemporary houses are found too. The spaced-out nature that the island provides means that lots are large and offer yards, whether that be in front of a modest cottage or modern palatial estate. Prices range from $1.6 million for a cottage in need of a little renovation, to $6 million and up for larger beachfront estates.Start the year off with a Polar Plunge
Though close to Charleston, the island has its own identity with annual events and celebrations bringing the community together. Art on the Beach is an annual tour of Sullivan Island residences, each one housing a gallery of artists and their work. Dunleavy’s Pub has been the sight of the Polar Plunge for nearly 3 decades, where thousands jump into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day to raise money for the Special Olympics.Poe's Tavern offers burgers and brews
The Sullivan’s Island lifestyle is a slow-paced one, something that residents love about the area. “We have several restaurants and boutiques that are just wonderful,” says Hoy. “But for bigger retail chains and things like that, you’ll need to go to Mount Pleasant.” That said, residents of the area frequent the beloved local spots that line Middle Street. Poe’s Tavern is a favorite burger-and-beer hangout for tourists and locals alike, attracting visitors with not just its food but also with little-known history about its namesake poet. MEX 1 Coastal Cantina brings the flavors of the Baja peninsula over to the East Coast, and residents can get some shopping done at The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery—a quaint market and deli with coffee, gourmet sandwiches, and craft beers.Sullivan's Island Elementary earns high marks
Students in the area begin at Sullivan’s Island Elementary, before moving on to Moultrie Island Middle and finishing up at Wando High—schools that all earned Niche grades of A. Students in middle and high school will need to commute to Mount Pleasant, but Sullivan’s Island Elementary is known as one of the top new schools in the state of South Carolina. “It is excellent,” says Hoy. “And you have people moving to the island just because of how good the school is.”Convenience and charm meet
A bedroom community, Sullivan’s Island makes it easy for commuters to get to Charleston and Mount Pleasant for work—before returning to the island afterward. With a typical drive to Charleston likely taking less than 20 minutes, residents are never far from the urban buzz and historic charm of downtown Charleston. The airport is also nearby, and Highway 17 provides access to all nearby amenities.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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Karen Tawes
The Boulevard Company
(843) 380-5659
31 Total Sales
1 in Sullivan’s Island
$3,000,000 Price
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KH
Kalyn Harmon
Responds QuicklyWilliam Means Real Estate, LLC
(843) 793-0434
147 Total Sales
1 in Sullivan’s Island
$3,350,000 Price
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BH
Brad Haynes
Responds QuicklyEast Islands Real Estate
(843) 938-6211
28 Total Sales
3 in Sullivan’s Island
$950K - $2M Price Range
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Leslie Turner
Responds QuicklyMaison Real Estate
(843) 806-1137
147 Total Sales
2 in Sullivan’s Island
$2.6M - $3.8M Price Range
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Christopher Smith
Responds QuicklySERHANT
(843) 585-3061
135 Total Sales
1 in Sullivan’s Island
$1,570,000 Price
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GG
Gregory Gelber
Responds QuicklyAgentOwned Realty Charleston Group
(843) 896-2267
105 Total Sales
1 in Sullivan’s Island
$1,900,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Sullivan’s Island | US |
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Homicide | 1 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 1 | 4 |
Robbery | 1 | 4 |
Burglary | 2 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 4 |
Larceny | 2 | 4 |
Crime Score | 1 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Sullivan’s Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sullivan’s Island, Charleston sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Sullivan’s Island, Charleston over the last 12 months is $4,540,000, up 40% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Thursday, May 811am - 1pm
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Thursday, May 811am - 1pm
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Thursday, May 811am - 1pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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